I Never Thought 2013 Would Ever Come!!

I remember when my oldest got to kindergarten, I thought I was safe.  Safe because I might be losing him to go to Kindergarten for 3 hours every day, but I was safe because I didn’t totally lose him until the year he turned 18 and graduated from High School.  Then I still had him for a year before he’d leave to go on a mission.  Every year after, I’d think I’m still safe, because 2013 is still forever away.  Some days (or should I say phases) I’d think, “UGH!  How many more years of this?” 

Now I have 1 hours, 19 minutes and 32 seconds… then the year I was safe from, the year I’ve been trying to avoid and the year I thought would never come is here!!  Now my little boy (who is 6’3”) is going to turn 18, graduating from High School (if he passes 3^rd year Spanish) and then leaving to go on a mission!!   I never believed the “older” parents when they would tell me to enjoy them when they are young because they grow up fast.  Then I think, “Wait…..  I am not done I still have SIX more!!!”  SIX after he is grown and gone!! Six more I have to worry about!!! Six more I have to raise.  That’s 8 more science fairs, 2 more leprechaun traps, 3 more years of preschool, 2 more years of kindergarten, only one more to potty train, 9 ½  more years of cub scouts, 24 years of scouts and 38 years of school!! 38 years of homework, AP tests, multiplication fact to memorize, teaching children to read, write, social skills and praying they pass their class and their tests.   Praying they make good friends, they stay strong in the values they have learned,   that their teacher and church leaders will love them as much as I do and praying even harder that the bullying stops.  Wondering if they are sick enough that I should take them to the doctor-- if I should talk to the teacher or call the other parent.  So as I am actually in the middle and for a couple of my kids just beginning the parenting journey.  I think I’ve still got time. 

Now I realize I am one of those older parents who say, “Enjoy them when they are young, because they grow up fast!!”  Some days not fast enough and some day’s way to fast, but they really do grow up fast.  I was talking to a couple of ladies who have adult kids, and listening to them, I realized it never ends.  Even when they are all grown, in college, on missions, married with kids of their own I will always be Mom.  I’ll still worry, still pray and still want to cry and laugh right along with them. 

So on the eve of the year that I have been hoping wouldn’t come and then some day’s praying it would come faster, I’ve learned one thing and that is I have no clue what I am doing!!!  Now I don’t have to worry until my youngest graduates from high school.  So the New Year I have to pray to make it to is 2030!! And that is FOREVER away!  So I am safe!!!